Surah an-Naml (The Ant ) 27 : 81

Explanatory Note

The Qur’ānic style paints here a lively image of a mental condition that renders hearts, souls and feelings frozen, unresponsive. We see them first as dead, with the Prophet calling on them but they do not hear him. The second image shows them deaf, moving away from the person who is calling them. Thirdly they are shown as blind who cannot see the guide trying to set them on the right course. These three images interact to give us a profound description of their situation.

In contrast to the dead, blind and deaf we see the believers who are alive, with their hearing and seeing faculties finely tuned: “You can only get those who believe in Our signs to listen; and they will then submit themselves [to God].” (Verse 81) These are the ones whose hearts are ready to receive God’s revelations. They have life and they warm to it, feeling its presence. They benefit by what they hear and see. Such are the believers and the Prophet’s duty is to make them hear, pointing to the signs God has placed all around us. They will then accept what he tells them and submit themselves to God.

Islam is simple, clear and very close to pure human nature. Once the heart gets to know it, it will submit to it. Thus the Qur’ān describes those hearts which are prepared to listen and be guided to the truth. They do not indulge in futile argument. Once God’s Messenger calls on them, pointing to God’s signs and reciting His revelations, they respond and submit.